Inclement Weather

I think besides my rain poncho and clip on front and back lights, I am going to have to purchase some additional gear in order to survive winter biking in Amsterdam:

1. Chains for my bike wheels, or at least some snow tires. Maybe a little personal salt spreader in front of the bicycle? Something that will keep me safe from slipping and sliding on the icy road surface.
2. A paint-ball player’s mask, for face protection against aggressive hail. I was pelted badly with ice cubes on my way to the gym this weekend.

Also, unrelated, but you know what my (new) favorite feature is for holiday online shopping? LIVE CHAT HELP. It’s so fantastic – it’s like instant messaging with customer service. Long waits don’t piss you off anymore, because you can continue surfing the internet while you wait for a personalized answer on your specific question. Truly incredible – every online store worth its salt should offer this service!

Comments

[Katie K.]

Joke, you have just uncovered a primary difference between you and me... I would have never ventured to the GYM in such weather. Having to go to work, yes I would be inventive with my fowl weather gear. Some exciting destination, yes I would don a bright yellow poncho complete with hockey facemask. The gym, let's see… I'm sure the couch looked like a cozy way to spend the afternoon. I’m not proud of this self-proclaimed laziness, but it is the truth nonetheless. Besides, with a bicycle as my main form of transportation – the bike would actually be my gym membership in and of itself. :o)

Hurry up and come home for the holidays Joke!

[Ali G]

ha! loving the image of you with a hockey goalie mask with bike tires on steroids. but i could NEVER live in a'dam, b/c my terror of bicycles is amplified tenfold in bad weather. you are a brave, brave soul!

[Janet]

I am so with Katie above -- you must be seriously dedicated to bike through hail to go to the GYM! Can you plese send me some of that motivation for Christmas?

[Alexandra]

Fietsen is fantastisch he! ;-) Behalve als het regent, of als het keiwarm is en je fietst naar je werk, of als het sneeuwt, of als het hagelt (dat is eigenlijk het allerergste)... Ik vind het wel bewonderenswaardig dat je de fiets trouw blijft! Keep up the good work! :-)

[Peyton]

Whoa, I have the utmost respect for anyone who bikes to the gym in HAIL. That's dedication. I haven't seen the inside of a gym in over a year, and even then? Would never have biked to it. Much less in the hail.

[Ruthie]

Joke.. i love you for your exaggerated descriptions-- PELTED with ice cubes? i love it... I guess we all become a lil like mom ey? COME HOME TMW yayyy